Argentina Travel Planet

Hiking and trekking in Argentina

Take a Hike

When you think of Argentina, the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires might be the first thing to come to mind. Argentina, however, is an expansive country, with nearly every type of terrain in the world, from the sub-tropics to the glaciers. Because of its diverse landscape, it has become an increasingly popular destination for hiking and trekking.

Hiking and trekking in Argentina

While the north of Argentina is rich in its own way, it also tends to be quite hot and often humid, often too much so for hikers’ liking. This doesn’t, however, deter hikers and trekkers from exploring this area. Many national parks are great places to hike and camp, and the north is rich with these beautiful protected areas. Beyond the national parks, there are still hundreds of miles of trails and thousands of hectares awaiting your arrival. Many trekkers choose to use Salta as a jumping off point, as this northern city is surrounded by amazing landscapes, such as Cafayate, set alongside the Las Conchas gorge, with breathtaking views.

The most popular place for hiking and trekking in Argentina, however, is Patagonia. This magnificent area, consisting of most of the lower half of the country, remains largely untouched, making it prime trekking territory. It is world famous for its natural, diverse beauty, and anyone who enjoys hiking would be hard-pressed to pass up a trip to Patagonia while in South America.

Depending upon your skill level and what exactly you are looking for, there are several different ways to have a successful hiking trip in Patagonia. Some find it best to call one city “home base”; in that case, many trips are based around Bariloche. This quaint mountain city is surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains, providing both invigorating day trips and lengthier, multi-day treks.

For those who want to just dive in head first, there are numerous places to go. Unless you are a skilled and experienced hiker, however, it is recommended that you don’t go these trips alone — the raw nature of Patagonia can prove to be too much if you don’t know what you’re doing. Luckily, there are numerous options, even if you’re not well experienced. Several reputable companies provide guided trips throughout Patagonia.

These organized trips can be pricey, but they are usually worth every penny. Not only do you let them do the planning, you can rest assured that the places you will visit are some of the most precious in all of South America, and you will rest easy knowing that you are in good hands, with people who are familiar with the terrain.

This is not to say it is necessary to go with a tour group; rather, it is suggested if you’re looking for an experience that is out of your knowledge base. Some day hikers — weekend warriors, if you will — for example, may wish to cross the Andes. While that is absolutely doable, it should not be done without the proper expertise.

Read about different areas in Patagonia in this Argentina Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go hiking and trekking. From there, you will be able to pick a “home base” town, and people in that town will often know the best trails and treks around. Above all, bring a camera, lots of water, and be safe.

Depending on your likes, there is something for everyone. Explore the Lake District for views of amazing bodies of water, or trek through one of the numerous, towering forests lining the countryside. For something not easily found in other parts of the world, head farther south towards Ushuaia, known as The End of the World. Here, you will see snow covered land and looming glaciers year-round.

Remember, as with any hiking and trekking, that these areas are as beautiful as they are today because of responsible hikers, and it’s important to leave no trail as you visit these areas.